Elevate Your Cooking with This Chinese-Style Roast Duck Recipe

Roast duck, a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine, is renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat bursting with flavour. While commonly found in Chinese eateries, making it at home is simpler than you may think. In this post, we will guide you through a delectable Chinese-style roast duck recipe that you can effortlessly whip up in your own kitchen.

To make the perfect roast duck, you will need a few key ingredients such as salt, five spice, sand ginger powder, ground bean sauce, and more. We will provide you with a list of ingredients and substitutions that you can use if you don't have all the necessary ingredients on hand. We will also guide you through the preparation before cooking, the roasting process, and serving suggestions to ensure that your roast duck turns out perfectly every time.

If you are looking to impress your guests with an authentic Chinese dish, then this roast duck Chinese style recipe is perfect for you. It is a great way to showcase your culinary skills and impress your friends and family with your delicious cooking. So, let's get started and learn how to make the perfect roast duck!

Key Takeaways

• Roast duck is a popular Chinese dish that is known for its crispy skin and tender meat.
• A delicious roast duck Chinese style recipe can be easily recreated in your own kitchen with a few key ingredients and our step-by-step guide.
• Seafood can be used in the recipe as a suggestion, such as adding shrimp or scallops to the stuffing.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Primary Ingredients

To make Chinese-style roast duck, you will need a whole duck, preferably weighing around 2 kg. Other primary ingredients include sugar, salt, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, cloves, star anise, honey, scallion, bean sauce, five spice, maltose, orange, and Shaoxing wine.

Sauce and Seasoning

The sauce and seasoning for Chinese-style roast duck is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, honey, maltose, and Shaoxing wine. Some cooks also add fermented bean curd to the sauce for added flavour.

Optional Additions

If you want to add some extra flavour to your Chinese-style roast duck, you can consider adding some seafood to the recipe. For example, you could add some shrimp or scallops to the sauce, or you could stuff the duck with prawns or crab meat before roasting it.

When adding seafood to your recipe, it is important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Shrimp and scallops are both good options for adding to the sauce, while crab meat or lobster can be used for stuffing the duck.

Overall, Chinese-style roast duck is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for special occasions or family dinners. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a mouth-watering meal that everyone will love.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you start cooking your Chinese-style roast duck, there are a few important steps to take to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. Here are the three key steps to follow:

Cleaning and Drying

Start by cleaning the duck thoroughly. Remove any feathers and excess fat, and rinse the duck inside and out with cold water. Pat the duck dry with paper towels, being careful not to tear the skin. Make sure the duck is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Marinating the Duck

Marinating the duck is a crucial step in the Chinese-style roast duck recipe. The marinade will give the duck its distinct flavour and tenderness. You can use a pre-made marinade or make your own by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and aromatics like ginger and garlic. You can also add seafood like shrimp or scallops to the marinade for an extra flavour boost.

Place the duck in a large bowl or plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat the duck thoroughly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavours to develop.

Stuffing the Cavity

Stuffing the cavity of the duck with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and green onions is a traditional Chinese method that adds flavour and aroma to the dish. You can also add seafood like prawns or crab to the cavity for an added depth of flavour.

Once you have stuffed the cavity, truss the duck by tying the legs together with kitchen twine. This will help the duck cook evenly and retain its shape.

Now that you have completed the preparation process, you are ready to move on to the cooking stage. Preheat your oven to 220°C/425°F and remove the duck from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the duck on a roasting pan and roast for 15 minutes. Then, lower the heat to 180°C/350°F and continue to roast for another hour or until the duck is golden brown and crispy.

Roasting Process

Roasting a duck Chinese style requires proper technique and attention to detail. Here are the steps to follow to ensure that your duck comes out tender and juicy with crispy skin:

Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the duck on a roasting rack, breast-side up, in a roasting pan. Pour about 1 inch of water into the pan to catch the drippings and prevent smoking.

Roasting Techniques

Roast the duck in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste the duck every 30 minutes with the glaze from the pan. To get the skin crispy and brown, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can stuff the duck with shrimp or crab meat for added flavour.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the duck is cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can check for doneness by piercing the thigh with a fork. If the juices run clear, the duck is cooked.

Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Carving the Duck

Carving the duck is an art form in itself. To get the best results, use a sharp knife and cut the skin and meat in thin slices. Begin by cutting off the wings and legs, then remove the breasts and slice them thinly. Arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with scallions or green onions.

Accompaniments

Roast duck can be served with a variety of accompaniments. One classic option is to serve it with Mandarin pancakes, which are thin pancakes that can be filled with the meat and vegetables of your choice. Another option is to serve it with rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a variety of vegetables, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli.

Presentation

To make your roast duck look even more impressive, consider adding some colourful garnishes. For example, you can add some sliced cucumbers or carrots to the platter. You can also serve it with a variety of sauces, such as hoisin sauce, plum sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.

If you want to add some seafood to your roast duck recipe, consider serving it with a side of shrimp or scallops. You can also add some fish sauce to the marinade to give it a more complex flavour. Just be sure to use fresh seafood and cook it properly to avoid any health risks.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigeration

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator. Make sure to wrap the duck in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. The refrigerated duck can last for up to three days. However, it is best to consume it as soon as possible.

Reheating Tips

To reheat the refrigerated duck, you can use an oven or a microwave. If you are using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the duck in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake it for about 15 minutes. If you are using a microwave, put the duck on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for about 30 seconds per slice.

It is worth noting that reheating the duck may cause it to lose its crispiness. To restore the crispiness of the skin, you can use an air fryer. Reheat the duck in an air fryer at 200°C for 5 minutes, and it will be as crispy as fresh.

Nutritional Information

Roast duck is a delicious dish, but it is also high in calories and fat. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of roast duck with skin contains about 280 calories and 20 grams of fat. However, duck meat is also a good source of protein, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.

If you are concerned about the high calorie and fat content of the dish, you can use leaner cuts of duck or remove the skin before cooking. Alternatively, you can also add some seafood to the recipe to make it healthier. For instance, you can use prawns or scallops to add some extra protein and flavour to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a Cantonese roast duck at home?

To make a Cantonese roast duck at home, you will need to marinate the duck in a mixture of Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, rice wine, and honey for at least 24 hours. Then, roast the duck in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

What's the secret to crispy skin on a Chinese-style roast duck?

The secret to crispy skin on a Chinese-style roast duck is to dry the skin thoroughly before roasting. You can do this by hanging the duck in a cool, dry place for a few hours or by using a hairdryer to blow hot air over the skin. Another tip is to brush the skin with a mixture of honey and vinegar before roasting.

Can you share an easy recipe for Chinese-style roast duck?

Sure, an easy recipe for Chinese-style roast duck is to mix together Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, rice wine, and honey in a bowl. Then, rub the mixture all over the duck and let it marinate in the fridge for 24 hours. Roast the duck in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

What are the main differences between Hong Kong and Peking duck recipes?

The main difference between Hong Kong and Peking duck recipes is the seasoning. Hong Kong-style roast duck is typically seasoned with a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey, while Peking duck is seasoned with a mixture of maltose syrup, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. Additionally, Peking duck is traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce, while Hong Kong-style roast duck is typically served with rice or noodles.

What are some traditional accompaniments for roast duck in Chinese cuisine?

Some traditional accompaniments for roast duck in Chinese cuisine include steamed buns, scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. Additionally, some regions in China serve roast duck with a sweet bean sauce or a spicy sauce made with garlic and chili peppers.

How long does it typically take to prepare and cook a roast duck in the Chinese style?

It typically takes around 24 hours to prepare a roast duck in the Chinese style, including marinating the duck overnight. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the duck and the cooking method, but it usually takes around 2-3 hours to roast a whole duck in the oven.

As a suggestion, you can also add some seafood to the marinade, such as dried shrimp or scallops, to add more depth of flavour to the dish.